Markus 14:43-44

Betrayal and Arrest

14:43 Right away, while Jesus ¹  was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. ²  With him came a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and experts in the law ³  and elders. 14:44 (Now the betrayer ⁴  had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.”) ⁵ 

Markus 14:48

14:48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? ⁶ 

[14:43]  ¹ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[14:43]  ² tn Or “approached.” This is a different verb than the one translated “arrived” in Matt 26:47 and below in v. 45, although in this context the meanings probably overlap.

[14:43]  ³ tn Or “from the chief priests, scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 1:22.

[14:44]  ⁴ tn Grk “the one who betrays him.”

[14:44]  ⁵ sn This remark is parenthetical within the narrative and has thus been placed in parentheses.

[14:48]  ⁶ tn Or “a revolutionary.” This term can refer to one who stirs up rebellion: BDAG 594 s.v. λῃστής 2 has “revolutionary, insurrectionist,” citing evidence from Josephus (J. W. 2.13.2-3 [2.253-254]). However, this usage generally postdates Jesus’ time. It does refer to a figure of violence. Luke uses the same term for the highwaymen who attack the traveler in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30).